A Liar's Truth [UNDER FINAL REVISION]

Ch 14: Red string

Third person point of view 

"I'm surprised you managed to make your way out of the airport at one peace. Mom could never." 

 "What happened to hello? How are you?" Karma scoffs a smile, pulling a chair to sit in front of his father, Akabane Keitaro. 

He gave him an unimpressed look. "Okay, so why are you here?"

The redhead smirked, waving down a waiter. "Wow, not even a hug?"

"You know we don't do that."

"Right. 'Cause you're too cool for that stuff." The classic banters of parents  with their rebellious teenage child. 

Karma shrugged, glancing at the menu. "I'll get a cheeseburger meal."

"I take you to this fancy restaurant and that's all you get? Jesus, this is why I have to check up on you." Karma lets out a sarcastic laugh. Yeah, right. He hasn't even seen him in more than a year. "Are you even eating well? Where's all that money we've been sending you?" 

 "I could assure you that it was all well spent~" And by that he meant all his hoarded snacks and manga collection. Of course, his parents would never know that. They were barely home let alone enter his room. 

"On actual food, I hope?"

He took a dramatic pause. "...Sure."

Keitaro sighed, "You'll die before I do at this rate."

"Wouldn't that be a shame~?" 

They exchanged dry smirks before Keitaro shook his head. "I'm serious, Karma. You might be a genius, but you're still stupid when it comes to self-preservation."

"You're talking like I got hospitalized or something."

"Not yet. But the way you're going? It can happen. We'll cut off your budget if you actually get sick with your unhealthy habits this time." Keitaro warns, gesturing two fingers on his eyes and back at his son. "This the very least I ask of you. All that junk would cost you if you keep this up. I won't meddle with your school affairs as long as you are in the right and just graduate." 

Karma leaned back, watching his father order ribs. "What, am I finally getting the 'son, take care of yourself' speech?"

"Well, you could use some nagging every once in a while." His father leaned in. "Like on how you pummeled a bunch of D-Class kids in broad daylight?"